Real Madrid News
Rival watch: Barcelona rocked by two more injuries ahead of El Clasico vs Real Madrid
In less than two weeks, Barcelona and Real Madrid will tangle again in the fifth El Clasico of the 2022/23 season as the two rivals battle it out for a spot in the finals of the Copa del Rey.
The first leg of the cup semi-final, played at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month, ended in a 1-0 win for Barça. Following that, they beat Carlo Ancelotti’s men 2-1 in La Liga to open up a 12-point lead in the table.
So, the next Clasico is a must-win game for Real Madrid as they will look for a modicum of revenge while keeping their hopes of a cup triumph alive.
Ahead of the game, Real Madrid have received a boost as two more Barcelona players are set to miss the cup Clasico at Camp Nou on April 5.
Only recently, it was confirmed that both Ousmane Dembele and Pedri were ruled out of the contest.
Now, it has been confirmed that Andreas Christensen is also set to be unavailable for the match while Frenkie de Jong is also a major doubt, reports AS.
Christensen picked up a calf injury while on international duty with Denmark last night. The 26-year-old defender is expected to be out of action for three to four weeks, effectively ruling him out of the contest against Real Madrid.
As for De Jong, Barcelona officially confirmed earlier today that the Dutchman has sustained a thigh injury. Reports suggest that the 25-year-old could be out for close to two weeks, making his availability for El Clasico a big question mark.
Christensen is a key cog in the defensive setup for Xavi’s Barcelona and his absence will come as a blow. With no De Jong and Pedri, the Catalans’ midfield will be weakened considerably.
It must be noted that Barça got the better of Real Madrid in both the Clasico matches earlier this month without Pedri and Dembele. And the onus will be on Ancelotti & co. to make the most of their opponents’ injury woes and come out on top at Camp Nou next month.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
